Hi all,
In process of buying an S1 and the report is that the AC condenser is on its last legs. There is also a reported leak to fix (simple O ring at the moment so simple so far).
What is the general opinion of the AC, as reading in here is the equivalent of blowing through a straw?
Better to just remove the system entirely or replace condenser and see if any more leaks?
Had to have the clam removed to fit alu radiator so that isn’t an issue but costs are spiralling.
Many thanks
Ross
Mine “works” in that it sends very cold fluid to the heater box but nothing much cool comes out into the car. Waste of time. I’m leaving mine in as I’m not worried about saving a few kg and I want to keep the car as used but original
Keith
Pretty much per above. I have “functioning” AC it doesn’t produce anything bar a whisper of cool air and certainly it can’t compete with the cabin temp on a warm day. So I wouldn’t worry too much you’re not missing out 
My S2 setup is almost frostbite inducing*, seriously effective on such a small cabin. I wonder what the differences are in the AC architecture across the two cars?
Agree. I had an S2 and the aircon worked really well. Off to Deroure to study the differences!
After a quick study I think the expansion valve could be the issue. If it’s stuck shut the aircon will not work at all. If you can run your aircon with the clam off it would be interesting to see
Does the compressor run, if not, needs a regas.
Do the ac pipes get hot and cold, they should, if not, dead compressor.
Does the evaporator get cold, if not, stuck expansion valve.
If the air from the vents is still hot, probably your heater matrix is stuck on warm.
It would be interesting if this could be made to work. Wisdom is the the S1 Exige engine mapping is dreadful. However in the 1990s lotus did mapping for many cars and were good at it. I found in my car the problem was wonky cam timing and a broken 02 sensor. Maybe the aircon can be made to work, though I have heard people complained about it from new.
This was one of my (S2) issues, heater flap stuck on the warm mode and the matrix itself is always ‘live’. For me it was a broken solder in the dash hvac panel, in an S1 I think it’s a mechanical linkage - but still could go wrong I guess?
Another issue on the S2 was the core freezing over, then the system would shut down for a while until it thawed. Later cars got a new thermostat which helped the the AC to cut out before it got to this point which allowed it to modulate a lot better. Not sure how much of that is still relevant on an S1 though.
There must be modern approaches to retro fitting AC into classics or whatever by now, electric motors etc. Must be quite a big market for it, if it could all be self contained in the front clam that would save a lot of faff!
Thanks for replies everyone.
Consensus is to keep the equipment which will do.
At the moment, only told condenser is looking like on its last legs and one leak which has been fixed. Other than that, waiting further clarity as to whether working or not.
Will keep you posted. Clam is off so hoping any leaks can be sorted and main cost is condenser… maybe I’m too new to this… 
Here is the rub
The AC car does have subtle differences , for example location of washer bottles , vent hoses in the front , including horrid rubber vacumm hoses that " power " the vent flaps . These provide loads of lovely opportunities for rough running of the engine if the seals are poor or the pipes crack . One pipe runs the full length of the car down the nice hot sill. The Alternator sits above the exahust manifold and cooks nicley . So unlikely to get a good life out of it . Mine lasted say 50k so not bad . It weazed for a couple of years , the car would have been 5 years old but gave out . There is also some weird vac run water valve hard up by the rear bulkhead … Im sure mines jammed on in the hot position… I’ve recently removed my front clam , and you guessed it , the condensor radiator thingy had collapsed a decade ago . This can (and did) distort the water rad its bolted to and guess what … the Radiator starts leaking . As for the reciever dryer , that did not look good either .
Here is the Equaliser
I heard a lot about people saying its rubbish , however there are some excellent ariticles in this forum about blocking up holes in the handbrake area the sills., scuttle … I’ve bothered to do this and it does make a staggering difference . So imagine how much better the AC WILL work ? if you know its all been sealed properly ?
Summary
I dont think its fair to criticise the function of any automotive part on any vehicle until you really do know that its ALL in good condition factory spec set up .
I will persevere with mine and hopefully one day give an honest answer . Inc where to get all the parts / or made up.
One thing i will say about the AC cars is that you have a choice … AC or no AC . With a standard Exige you dont have that choice .
If i had my time again , would i buy AC or no AC ? if both cars were same spec, cost , condition , colour… AC everytime :0)
Hope this has helped - any questions - please do not hesitate , thanks for reading
EXG932 - nice write up and nice to hear some positive AC feedback 
Keep us updated. I’m not sure I have the perseverance but encouraged by yours!
…… also an ac car has much better heater controls. Touch wood I have never had a leak in the vacuum pipes and they work well and the face level vents work well.
I will await with interest to see if you can make it work.
Thanks EXG932 and others,
I am STILL waiting to pick up the car (almost two month since deposit went down) so can’t comment on how it is working but will certainly feedback when I can. Am having condenser and radiator replaced so am hopeful of cool air…
Check the expansion valve whilst the clam is off.
Good luck with the purchase. I would add that if you want effective cooling in the cabin, the motorsport engine cover makes a huge difference as it vents a lot of hot air out of the engine bay that would otherwise lead to heat soak through the bulkhead, and in particular the back window.
